Flexibility reduces cycle times

The ST-38 12-axis Swiss-type lathe is designed and built by Star CNC Machine Tool Corp. The ST-38 comes with three independent turrets designed for machining up to 38mm (1.5") in diameter. Two front turrets are used for machining on the front side and the third turret is used for machining on the back side with a sub-spindle. All three turrets are identical with 10 stations on each turret. Each station can use power driven tools or up to three tools in each station for various machining. Each turret is equipped with a Y-axis and can perform a multitude of operations such as angular drilling, thread milling, surfacing, or operations using up to three tools at the same time. While the ST-38 can handle complex jobs requiring a large number of tools, the exclusively designed turret also gives the operator several machining options.

The opposing main turrets are posted on the front side, allowing more complex machining by turning, milling, deep hole drilling (max drilling capacity is Ø23mm), and drilling of skewed holes simultaneously with a top spindle speed of 7,000min-¹, reducing time per part.

The back turret can perform machining functions, while the two front turrets are in use. In addition, the back turret has the capability of performing finishing work on the back end of the workpiece. Furthermore, the design of the rear machining function offers additional machining flexibility by adjusting the X2, Y2, and or Z2 axis for such operations such as drilling a skewed hole, cross milling, and picking up of parts with use of the YA² axis.

Other standard features which support the high-accuracy of the ST-38 include:

• The Star Motion Control System, which reduces processing time, minimizes non productive time, and reduces production time;
• The coolant chiller unit regulates machine temperature to restrict thermal displacement; and
• The spindle cooling unit controls thermal displacement by exhausting heat from the main and sub-spindles.

For complicated parts requiring deep holes, the ST-38 can be combined with a high-pressure coolant system to perform deep-hole drilling on both the front and rear turrets in a single setup.

To further enhance cycle time reduction, Star offers an optional software program that helps minimize non-cutting time with the help of its motion control system. The software includes user-friendly and fast program editing and control when using Program Utility Junior (PU-Jr) and comes with four different functions – Program Management, Program Editing, Extensive Tooling, and Coordinate Calculations to help perform such tasks as:

• Allowing files and folders to be used in Windows Explorer;
• A program check function that confirms the validity of each program;
• Results of the calculations can be copied into the program editing screen, saving the effort of taking notes; and
• The Extensive Tooling function allows the tooling information to be read by the machine.

To view the Star ST-38 in action, click here.

Star CNC Machine Tool Corp.
Roslyn Heights, NY
starcnc.com